A Recipe for Disaster

Behind the scenes of The No Fuss Vegan – I, Zach Spuckler, am in a little bit of turmoil.

It’s a bit hard to explain, but I’m going to give it my best shot:

Have you ever had something you really LOVED to do, like knitting, baking, scrapbooking, etc? Then one day someone said “you’re really good, you should sell those!?!”

You toil away trying to sell your idea, then in about 2-3 months time – you hit this point where your outlet, your escape, your joy in life feels lost.

That’s the point I hit with The No Fuss Vegan. 8 Months ago it started as a little project for the love of vegan food. But after a few months lots of things crept into the picture. Webinars, ebook sales, affiliates, conferences, business programs, and more.

Over the past 1-2 weeks I’ve felt so burnt out that I haven’t created any exciting dishes in my kitchen. I mean I’m not even cooking for myself much! I’m living on steam bag veggies, brown rice, and Chipolte (though I’m not sorry about that last one cause those Sofritas are the bomb!)

I spent the last week thinking that if I took a step back from my blog to reassess what I want to do, what expectations I had set for myself, and to determine what to do next I’d be letting down all you amazing readers who I sincerely consider friends. But I’m finally at a point where I have to appeal to you and ask with an open heart that you can try and understand where I’m coming from, mentally.

For a 21 year old college kid, I made a decent income from this blog (I’m not retiring my parents and owning an island, but maybe one day) – but I finally get what it means for “money to not matter.” The past week while “not blogging” I’ve still made ebook sales, gotten checks, etc – but it’s made me feel even worse.

If you’re reading this post – thank you. I’ve asked for so many favors over the past 8 months. I’ve asked you to share, and pin, and join me in my Facebook group – and you’ve willingly obliged me. It’s been humbling to see everyone with me – and that’s what made it so hard to finally posted this.

I’m going to be stepping back from The No Fuss Vegan for a short period to pursue other things. I’m thinking about 2-4 more works as of right now (if I figure out a more concrete timeline, I’ll come back and revise that sentence, I PROMISE!). The site will still be live and the ebooks, ecookbook, and everything else will still be available, but for now I’m giving myself permission to take a break!

I’m so thankful to have an amazing community and I hope you all understand how much thought and time has gone into this decision. Though we’re all foodies at heart so I break it down into a recipe for you too:

Comments

I think you are wise beyond your years!!! You have the whole rest of your life to pursue your dreams, loves, professions, etc. Right now your priority has to be completing your education and taking care of the most important person in your life — YOU!!! Your physical and mental health will sustain you through all you do, so you must guard those assets.
Clearly you set high standards for your health and prosperity, and for your future. Glad you have stepped back to take a look at it all to catch your breath. Best of luck and happiness to you in all you do. Hugs.

Zach, zach, zach… everyone who is creative and pours their heart out into their passion needs to step back and take time for themselves. You are not letting us down because it’s now our turn to build you up by supporting you. I for one am very proud of you for taking time for you. Take as long as you need. The greatest disaster would be losing YOU!!!

Well done Zach! I love this recipe! This shows how important your tribe/ community is for you… and by putting yourself first, you are going to give much more to that tribe in a near future. Good luck in your exams!

Living your passion means doing what gives you joy. When it becomes something you dread, then it’s just a job, Be true to your path. Don’t feel obligated to do more than you are reasonably capable of. Your true friends and supporters will not be disappointed. Take care of yourself and your fur kids first. Life will be full of beginnings and endings.